Want to watch cartoons online without jumping between unsafe or unreliable websites? The easiest option is to use legal streaming services that clearly list their shows, plans, age ratings, and viewing rules. In the United States, viewers can choose from free services such as PBS KIDS, Tubi, and Pluto TV, as well as paid platforms such as Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, and HBO Max.
This guide focuses on the search term “watch cartoons online” and is written for U.S. search intent. It explains where cartoons can be watched legally, which services offer free viewing, what kind of animation each platform carries, and how to choose a service without wasting time. Catalogs can change, so always search the exact cartoon title on the platform before subscribing.
Quick Answer: Where Can You Watch Cartoons Online?
For free viewing, PBS KIDS is a strong option for younger audiences, while Tubi and Pluto TV offer larger ad-supported libraries. Nickelodeon and YouTube Kids also provide legal videos and selected episodes. For wider premium catalogs, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, and HBO Max are useful choices in the U.S.
Best Legal Sites to Watch Cartoons Online in the USA
| Platform | Cost Type | Best For | Official Link |
| PBS KIDS | Free, ad-free | Educational cartoons and family shows | Open official site |
| Tubi | Free with ads | Classic cartoons, kids animation, family titles | Open official site |
| Pluto TV | Free with ads | Live channels and on-demand kids cartoons | Open official site |
| Nickelodeon | Free/selected content | Nick clips, episodes, SpongeBob, PAW Patrol and more | Open official site |
| YouTube Kids | Free | Kid-focused videos with parental controls | Open official site |
| Disney+ | Paid | Disney/Pixar animation and selected cartoon libraries | Open official site |
| Hulu | Paid | Cartoons, animation and many classic TV favorites | Open official site |
| Netflix | Paid | Kids animation, originals and licensed cartoons | Open official site |
| Paramount+ | Paid | Nickelodeon cartoons and family programming | Open official site |
| Peacock | Paid | DreamWorks, family animation and kids shows | Open official site |
| HBO Max | Paid | Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., Looney Tunes and family titles | Open official site |
Note: Availability can change by title, state, licensing window, and date. Check the exact cartoon before paying for a subscription.
Free services can be a good starting point; paid services usually offer larger libraries.
1. PBS KIDS – Free and Simple for Younger Viewers
PBS KIDS Video is one of the easiest legal options for families who want free educational shows. The official service says its video app includes full episodes, clips, shorts, live TV, and downloads, and it does not require a subscription, sign-in, or ads. Current examples include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Arthur, Curious George, and Sesame Street.
2. Tubi – Free Cartoons With Ads
Tubi is useful when you want to watch cartoons online for free and do not mind advertisements. Its U.S. kids section currently includes a mix of classic and newer animation. Titles shown on the service can include Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, My Little Pony, Teen Titans, Ben 10, LEGO Ninjago, and other family shows. Because the library changes, search the title first.
3. Pluto TV – Free Live Cartoon Channels and On-Demand Shows
Pluto TV combines live channels with on-demand viewing. Its U.S. Kids & Family section includes cartoon categories, learning shows, and children’s anime. This makes it useful if you like the feeling of regular TV but still want to stream online for free.
4. Nickelodeon – Official Episodes and Clips
Nickelodeon’s official website is a legal place to find clips and selected full episodes from its shows. The site currently highlights programs such as SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud House, PAW Patrol, Dora, and other Nick favorites. Some content may be promotional or limited, so availability depends on the show.
5. YouTube Kids – A Kid-Focused Version of YouTube
YouTube Kids is a separate experience built for younger viewers. Google says it includes age-based content settings and parental tools such as time limits, approved-content mode, and blocking. It can be useful for official cartoon channels, short videos, songs, and educational animation.
6. Disney+ – Disney and Pixar Animation
Disney+ is a paid option with a large animation catalog. It is the natural place to check for Disney and Pixar films and series, and its U.S. catalog also includes other animated titles. The exact lineup changes over time, so use the service search if you want a particular cartoon.
7. Hulu – Strong Choice for TV Cartoons
Hulu has a dedicated cartoons area with animated TV series and family titles. Current U.S. pages show shows such as Adventure Time, Regular Show, Steven Universe, The Amazing World of Gumball, We Bare Bears, and more. It is especially useful for viewers who prefer television-style cartoon series instead of only movies.
8. Netflix – Kids Animation and Originals
Netflix carries kids and family TV along with a large animated section. Its current U.S. pages include cartoons and animated series across different age groups, from preschool shows to action and adventure animation. Netflix is a paid service, and its catalog can change as licenses move between platforms.
9. Paramount+ – Nickelodeon Library and Family Shows
Paramount+ is one of the main paid services for Nickelodeon content. Its family section says it carries thousands of kid-favorite episodes, including original animated series and well-known Nickelodeon programs. It is a useful place to check for SpongeBob, Fairly OddParents, CatDog, ChalkZone, and other Nick titles.
10. Peacock – DreamWorks and Family Animation
Peacock has a dedicated kids page with animated movies and shows. Its current U.S. listings include family content connected with DreamWorks and Universal properties, along with shows such as Curious George and other children’s programming. A subscription is required for much of the library.
11. HBO Max – Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Animation
HBO Max is another paid option for viewers looking for Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Looney Tunes, and other family titles. Its official help pages say the service has a Kids & Family category and can show brands such as Cartoon Network inside a Kids profile. Because rights change, check the exact show before subscribing.
How to Choose the Best Site to Watch Cartoons Online
The “best” platform depends on what you want to watch. Instead of subscribing first and searching later, use this simple method:
- Search the exact cartoon title on the platform before you pay.
- If you only need free viewing, start with PBS KIDS, Tubi, Pluto TV, Nickelodeon, or YouTube Kids.
- If you want Disney or Pixar animation, check Disney+ first.
- If you want Nickelodeon cartoons, check Paramount+ and the official Nick site.
- If you want Cartoon Network or Warner animation, check HBO Max and Hulu because licensing can move between services.
- Use age ratings and profile controls when choosing content for younger viewers.
Is It Safe and Legal to Watch Cartoons Online for Free?
Yes, if you use an official free service or a licensed platform. Free does not automatically mean illegal. PBS KIDS, Tubi, Pluto TV, Nickelodeon, and YouTube Kids all provide legitimate ways to watch at least some content without paying for a normal streaming subscription.
Be careful with websites that copy a streaming brand, open many pop-ups, ask you to install unknown browser extensions, or offer new copyrighted shows with no clear licensing information. A safer approach is to use the official website or official app and avoid suspicious downloads.
Why Cartoon Availability Changes in the USA
Streaming rights are licensed for specific countries and time periods. A cartoon that appears on one service today may move to another service later. Some platforms also carry only selected seasons. That is why a useful “watch cartoons online” page should not promise that every title is always available on one website. Search the exact title and check the U.S. listing before subscribing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch cartoons online for free in the USA?
PBS KIDS, Tubi, Pluto TV, Nickelodeon, and YouTube Kids are legal places to start. The amount of free content differs by service.
What is the best website to watch cartoons online?
It depends on the cartoon. Disney+ is strong for Disney/Pixar, Paramount+ for Nickelodeon, HBO Max for Cartoon Network and Warner titles, while Tubi and Pluto TV are useful free choices.
Can I watch old cartoons online?
Yes. Free and paid services often carry classic animation, but the catalog changes. Tubi, Pluto TV, Hulu, Paramount+, and HBO Max are worth checking for older shows.
Where can I watch Nickelodeon cartoons online?
Use Nickelodeon’s official website for selected episodes and clips, or Paramount+ for a larger paid Nickelodeon library.
Where can I watch Cartoon Network shows online?
HBO Max carries selected Cartoon Network titles, and Hulu also lists several Cartoon Network series in the U.S. Availability changes by show.
Can I watch cartoons without creating an account?
Some free services allow viewing with little or no account setup. PBS KIDS specifically states that its video app can be used without a subscription or sign-in.
Are free cartoon websites legal?
Some are legal and some are not. Use official or clearly licensed services. Avoid pages that hide who operates them or ask you to install unknown software.
Why can I not find the same cartoon on every streaming service?
Licensing agreements differ by country and can expire. A title may also move between services or have only certain seasons available.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is to watch cartoons online in the USA, start with legal services that make their catalogs clear. Free options such as PBS KIDS, Tubi, Pluto TV, Nickelodeon, and YouTube Kids are useful when you do not want another subscription. Paid services such as Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, and HBO Max provide wider libraries and more premium titles.
The smartest step is simple: search the exact cartoon, check whether the season you want is available, and then choose the service. That saves money and avoids unsafe or unreliable streaming pages.